Review: "Interstellar" (***)

Matthew McConaughey stars in "Interstellar"

Here’s the first thing I have to say about Christopher Nolan’s newest film “Interstellar”: 159 minutes is too long. There are films, though rare they are, that warrant this kind of length: "Boogie Nights" (149 minutes), "Titanic" (195 minutes), "The Godfather" (175 minutes)… you get the picture. “Interstellar” does not belong on this list. That’s not to say it doesn’t belong on other lists, because I absolutely think this is a quality film with valuable insights. But there is a whole chunk of the movie, that had it not been there, I think it would have made for a much better viewing experience. Without spoiling or revealing too much, there’s a 30-minute subplot line that involves a very tragic and angry Matt Damon that is so maundering and unnecessary that it nearly defines the word superfluous. There was an extremely dumb looking fistfight (boys will be boys, I guess?) on am extremely gorgeous looking planet, and I found myself laughing at a part of this film that had no intention of being funny.

Our Oscar predictions, 2014

By the time the big night rolls around, it always seems like Oscar season has taken an extra long time to wrap up. This year is no different, although the schedule has shifted a bit this year due to the Winter Olympics. Nonetheless, it's hard to mind a long deliberation time when the quality of content you are considering is this high.

This year in film has given us so much quality to celebrate, and literally several of the nominees would be worthy 'Best Pictures' in any given year, despite how it may seem if you are championing a singular selection. Personally, I can't imagine anything besting "Gravity"—a film that contributes more to the art and craft of cinema than any other title in recent years. However, it would be silly of me to discount "12 Years a Slave," "American Hustle" or "Her" as perfectly acceptable titles in the Oscar cannon, should they be bestowed the honor. They are all much better than "Argo," after all.

All three of us—Cameron, Christo and Lucy—have given you our personal picks, be they 'will win' predictions or 'should win'/'want to win'/'should be here instead' favorites. We've abstained from the Documentary and Animated Short categories, as none of us have seen any of these nominees.

[Edit] RESULTS: Christo wins! Though our final picks might have changed by the time the telecast started, the results from our picks below are:

• Cameron: 17 correct, 4 incorrect, 1 abstain
• Christo: 19 correct, 2 incorrect, 1 abstain
• Lucy: 16 correct, 5 incorrect, 1 abstain

Review: "Dallas Buyers Club" (****)

Matthew McConaughey is Ron Woodroof in "Dallas Buyers Club"

“Dallas Buyers Club” is decking the halls with boughs of Oscar buzz. The 2014 Golden Globe nominations paved the way, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor nods for Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, who star in Craig Borten’s first produced screenplay. Directed by Jean-Marc Valée (“The Young Victoria,” “Café de Flore”), “Dallas Buyers Club” tells the true story of Ron Woodroof, a Texan electrician and rodeo gambler who tests positive for HIV in 1985. When denial of his rapidly worsening condition becomes refusal to die on schedule, Ron seeks alternative treatment.

Atlanta review: "Mud" (****½)

Tye Sheridan, Matthew McConaughey and Jacob Lofland star in "Mud"

Filmmaker Jeff Nichols has made a name for himself crafting nuanced stories that capture the Southern experience in whatever form it may take. In 2011, Nichols and his stars, Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, received a myriad of honors for "Take Shelter" (including the coveted #10 spot on my year-end list). His latest feature, "Mud," debuted at Cannes to acclaim from critics and audiences alike– setting off on an impressive buzz ride leading up to its theatrical release next month.

Jeff Nichols' "Mud" to open Atlanta Film Festival

The Atlanta Film Festival has been slowly releasing a few titles at a time, but won't officially announce the lineup until later this week. On March 15th, Jeff Nichols' "Mud" will kick off the festival. One of the film's actors, Ray McKinnon, will be on hand during opening night festivities. I suspect that McKinnon might also be at the festival to promote "Rectify," his new Sundance Channel original series. "Rectify" was shot in Griffin and centers around an exonerated Georgia death row inmate.

Fresh off the success of 2011's "Take Shelter," writer-director Nichols looks to have another hit on his hands with "Mud." After its premiere at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, "Mud" rose to the top of the critical anticipation lists for 2013. The film stars Matthew McConaughey in the eponymous role as a fugitive who meets two teenagers that help him evade local authorities as he searches for his love in rural Arkansas. Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Reese Witherspoon, Ray McKinnon, Sam Shepard, Sarah Paulson and Joe Don Baker round out the impressive cast. The film screened in Sundance last month and will be released theatrically on April 26th.

Look for more coverage of the 2013 ATLFF soon and check out the trailer for "Mud" after the jump.